For-Profit Corporations Have Religious Rights Too, Says Court

A divided federal appeals court said Thursday that companies, whether for profit or not, have religious rights.

The ruling came in a challenge by arts and crafts chain Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. and Christian bookstore chain Mardel Inc. to a part of President Barack Obama’s 2010 healthcare overhaul — namely, a requirement that employee health insurance plans include free contraceptive coverage.

The companies say the requirement violates their First Amendment right to the free exercise of religion, as well as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which guards against laws that substantially burden that right.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit ruled Thursday that Hobby Lobby and Mardel could likely make their case but stopped short of blocking the contraceptive mandate. The court instead sent the case back to a federal district judge for further consideration.

But five of the eight judges made a strong statement about corporate personhood. . . . . .

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